When Departing 

When it’s time to say goodbye to Puerto Vallarta, here’s a quick guide on what to expect when departing from Puerto Vallarta Airport, whether a tourist or a resident.

Yes, you need to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure time to allow for any unexpected events. Since the roads and the airport are busy, we recommend adding another hour if you travel around NYE or other peak-seasonal holidays or festivals. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Immigration Stamp for Residents

• Temporary & Permanent Residents: Before you check in for your flight, you must have your passport stamped by Immigration (INM).
  • Location: The INM kiosk is on the outer wall across from the American Airlines check-in counters, next to the self-check-in machines. (see photo below)
  • Hours: Typically, the kiosk is open from around 9:30 AM to 10 PM, depending on staffing.
  • Alternative: If your flight departs outside these hours, you can visit the airport a day earlier to get your passport stamped. Some travelers have noted that airline agents have performed this task at the check-in counter; however, we can’t verify this. 
  • No Stamp? If you cannot get the stamp due to the closed kiosk, you may face issues upon re-entry. In that case, explain the situation politely to the Immigration officer. Take a photo of the closed kiosk to show them if it’s outside of standard business hours.

Airport Check-In and Security

1. Check-In: RT & RP. Once you have your INM stamp, proceed to your airline’s check-in counter to drop off your bags and receive your boarding pass. TOURISTS must provide the paper TOURIST receipt (FMM) or the stamp in their passport made by the Immigration Agent they received upon entry at the airport. If you do not have the paper receipt (FMM), you can now download it at this link and fill in your information to get a copy of it: https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html
2. If asked for it and you have overstayed your allotted time allowance (up to 180 days but may be less; the number of days is shown either on your paper receipt or written on the Immigration stamp in your passport), you may be required to go to a local bank and pay a fine.

(BanNorte Bank is outside the airport to the right or south, located in the Commercial Marina Mall, a 15-minute walk or quick taxi ride south on the same side of the road as the airport.)

• • Note: During peak season or particular holidays, you may have to use the self-check-in kiosk before proceeding to the counter.

1. Heading Upstairs: Take the escalator, stairs, or elevator to the second floor to reach Security.
   • Stay to the right as you walk past the shops and restaurants until you reach the Security entrance.
2. Security Process: Follow the instructions of the security agents.
   • Identification: Have your passport open to your photo and ready, or for domestic flights, your immigration card.

Shoes: Unlike many airports, you generally won’t need to remove your shoes here.

Beyond Security: Duty-Free and Gates

After passing through security, you’ll enter a duty-free area filled with shops, a food court, and more stores. Keep an eye on the signs, as gate numbers are clearly marked.

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If you want the low-down on what to expect upon arriving in PV, read this article.